Dear class of 2026,

In my nearly 58 years of life, I’ve learned there are two ways to live: one that most people follow, and another that very few find.

When I was young, as you are today, I had the expectation that life would be nothing but FOOD, FUN, and FROLIC. I found those things, but in between came FEAR, FRUSTRATION, and FAILURE. My expectations about life, myself, and others were unrealistic. While this life offers love, laughter, and lucre, it also brings lovelessness, lows, and loss. It surprised me, disappointed me, and often depressed me. I learned this was the wide way.

Then I discovered an ancient book that taught me a better way—a way to find true joy and meaning even in the midst of pain. It showed me that focusing primarily on me, myself, and I (Jeremiah 17:9) led only to dissatisfaction, disappointment, and depression. It revealed there is more to life than what we see under the sun. It pointed me to SOMEONE who is the source of true meaning, purpose, and value—things I could never find on my own. This book taught me about LIGHT, LOVE, and LIFE. It introduced me to Jesus, “the new and living way” (Hebrews 10:20).

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-4, 14).

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). When we learn of Him, and take His yoke upon us (Matt 11:29-30; see Romans 10:17), we find rest. For those who obey His gospel, Jesus becomes their life, their purpose, their meaning, their joy, and their peace. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4; see Colossians 2:11-12; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4).

After putting on Christ (Gal 3:27), my expectations shifted from this temporary life to true hope and eternal life. This instantly gave meaning to my daily efforts, because now I do all things for Him. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:17, 23).

Welcome to life. Two ways lie before you: the wide and normal way that many follow, which ends in destruction (Matthew 7:13; 2 Thess. 1:8-9), or the narrow, new and living way that leads to eternal joy, eternal life, and inexpressible love. Choose wisely.

Agape
Spencer